Eye Health Center

Blocked tear ducts most often occur in babies. If your baby is born with a blocked tear duct, it will usually clear up on its own by 1 year of age.

You can help prevent infection in your or your baby's blocked tear duct by keeping the eye clean and using gentle massage techniques. Wash your hands before and after touching the eye area.

To keep the eye clean:

• Wipe away the drainage from around the eye. Moisten a clean cotton ball or washcloth with warm (not hot) water, and gently wipe from the inner (near the nose) to the outer part of the eye. With each wipe, use a new or clean part of the cotton ball or washcloth. Keep a supply of clean cotton balls moistened with water in a sealed plastic bag for use when you are away from home.
• If eyelashes become crusted with drainage, clean them with a moist cotton ball using a gentle, downward motion. If the eyelids become stuck together, place a clean, warm, wet cotton ball over that eye for a few minutes to help loosen the crust.

Massage should only be used under the advice and direction of a doctor. Usually it is done 2 or 3 times a day for several months.

If your baby has blocked ducts, limit his or her time in the wind, cold, and sunlight. This can help prevent symptoms from getting worse.